A BNSF freight train derailed in San Bernardino, California yesterday morning leading to several buildings, including a FedEx distribution center, to be evacuated and Paakuma’ K-8 School was sheltered in place temporarily as a precaution.
Thirteen tank cars and one box car derailed near Cajon Boulevard. No injuries were reported but two of the tank cars did leak following the derailment. One of the cars that leaked contained detergent and the other car contained petroleum distillate – a colorless liquid that has a similar smell to gasoline and can irritate the eyes, nose, and throat, cause dizziness, headaches, nausea, and drowsiness.
Eric Sherwin, the spokesperson for the San Bernardino County Fire Department, said the evacuation, which spans 1,000 feet in diameter from the derailment, was ordered out of an abundance of caution and there is no threat to the community.
The cause of the derailment is currently under investigation and there is no timeline on when the three tracks that were damaged during the derailment will reopen.
No threat to public reported after 13 train tanker cars derail in San Bernardino
